Resolution
04-2
WHEREAS,
the United States is abundant in natural resources and is a global leader
in advanced energy technologies, current demands for energy places local economies
and suppliers at risk and poses serious challenges for our Nation; and
WHEREAS,
oil and gas availability and price stability attributable to a growing dependence
on foreign oil, along with a constrained electric power grid and other factors
are all signs that our NationŐs energy situation requires immediate attention;
and
WHEREAS,
State and local communities, energy providers and businesses have a common
interest in assuring the availability and reliability to consumers of low-cost
electric power generation and supply; and
WHEREAS,
market-based solutions are needed to assure adequate and diverse domestic
energy supplies and infrastructure, encourage development of advanced technologies,
improve energy efficiency and meet state and local community and business
and consumer needs for affordable and reliable energy, while ensuring the
quality of the environment.
THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE 27th ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE OF THE NATIONAL BLACK CAUCUS OF STATE LEGISLATORS, ASSEMBLED IN HOUSTON, TEXAS, DECEMBER
1 - 5, 2003, that NBCSL dedicates
itself to educating its members, constituents and others on the need for a
sound, rational domestic energy policy; and
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that on behalf of its Members, the National Black
Caucus of State Legislators calls on Congress to enact legislation in the
108th Congress establishing a domestic energy policy that will assure adequate
domestic supply of energy and the appropriate
infrastructure; and
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that such domestic energy policy, at a minimum, further
address state and local community needs for energy assistance to low-income
households, development of alternative energy sources, improvements in energy
efficiency, appropriate consideration of the impact of regulatory energy policies,
expansion and strengthening of critical energy infrastructure such as electric
transmission, the role of other important energy options and provide incentives
for contracting with underutilized businesses; and
BE
IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that this Resolution be dispatched to the President
of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, Members of
Congress, Governors and other local officials as appropriate.
Sponsored
by: Representative Joe Deshotel
(TX)
Approved
Date is December 3, 2003 by the Committee of Jurisdiction: Energy
Certified
by Committee Chair: Senator
Bettye Davis (AK)
Ratified
in Plenary Session, Ratified Date is December 5, 2003
Ratification
certified by: Representative
Mary H. Coleman (MS), President